2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Mount Hope WV

Kia Motors Eco-Dynamics has committed to the goal of almost tripling its eco-friendly offerings by 2020. The Kia Niro Hybrid follows the Optima Hybrid and the Soul EV (electric vehicle) on the Kia clean mobility platform. With the 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid, Kia isn’t just introducing a new car, they are launching a new category – the crossover hybrid utility vehicle. And they have worked hard to make the Niro look and perform like an un-hybrid. Niro is the first Kia to make use of an all-new, dedicated eco-car platform. But don’t be misled, this is a no-holds-barred, uncompromising entry in the world of hybrids. The 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid is a utility vehicle and it makes no apology for it. It has muscular athletic lines and such exterior styling touches as a roof rack, skid plates, rocker cladding and aggressively shaped headlights. Its wide low proportions give it an overall athletic profile. It not only looks tough, it is tough - 53% of its body is made of advanced high-strength steel.

While the exterior styling is aggressive, the interior experience is peaceful and calm. Hybrids can sometimes generate odd drivetrain noises. The 2017 Kia Niro address this beautifully with stiffer suspension bushings, more sound insulation and an acoustic windshield. All of these combine to make for a quiet cabin that keeps out wind and road noise as well. . There is plenty of room in this HUV also. Passengers and drivers alike will enjoy the elevated seating that makes for comfortable and quick entry or exiting from the vehicle. There is also planet of shoulder and leg room. One especially nice touch is that the lithium ion battery pack is set under the rear seats. It’s placement also allows for a flat load floor which is very convenient. This makes for more room in the cabin as well as for cargo. Not only are the seats elevated but they sport extra-dense padding that is especially nice on a long ride.

An Un-hybrid driving experience

The 2017 Kia Hybrid combines an electric motor with a subcompact gas engine to deliver an impressive output of 146 horse power. Updates to the 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid utility vehicle’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission deliver quicker shifts. This is likely to produce better performance traits over the continuously variable transmissions found in the majority of hybrid vehicles. You won’t get the odd-feeling regenerative brake pedal behavior. That has been addressed in this new Kia model. The overall style of the car is straightforward and bold. This is carried over on the instrument panel which is clean and uncluttered. The primary and secondary controls are intuitively placed and make it a pleasure to drive.